January 13 – LA Utility Sued for Water Failure During Palisades Fire

A lawsuit was filed against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), accusing the utility of failing to supply enough water to fight the massive Palisades Fire. Property owners from the Pacific Palisades neighborhood allege that the city allowed a key reservoir to remain drained and unrepaired for nearly a year, severely limiting the water pressure in hydrants and leaving firefighters without the resources to contain the blaze. The plaintiffs claim the utility’s inaction turned “homeowners to homeless” in just hours. The suit also names businesses like a local pizza shop among the victims, highlighting the widespread damage caused by the city’s alleged negligence.